Fort Hays State University Alum Signs with New England Patriots

Strategic Insights -

Former Fort Hays State running back Shane Watts signed with the New England Patriots on August 12, 2025, becoming the first FHSU player to be signed by an NFL team since 2019. Watts initially signed with the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) just a few weeks prior but was released after a week on the practice squad. He is currently seeking a chance with the Patriots, who are one game into the preseason.

Watts played four years at Fort Hays State, wrapping his collegiate career with All-America honors as one of the top running backs in NCAA Division II in 2024. He achieved numerous accolades, including All-America Second Team selection by three organizations (D2CCA, Associated Press, and Don Hansen Football Committee), and was named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Team. He finished the 2024 season with 1,303 rushing yards, 449 receiving yards, and 1,752 all-purpose yards, scoring 17 touchdowns. Watts's impressive performance earned him the ranking of fourth nationally in all-purpose yards per game, fourth in total rushing yards, sixth in rushing yards per game, seventh in scoring, and eighth in total touchdowns.

Key Takeaways:

  • Shane Watts became the first Fort Hays State University player to be signed by an NFL team since 2019.
  • Watts initially signed with the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) but was released after a week on the practice squad.
  • Watts was a four-time All-American, earning Second Team honors in 2024 from three organizations (D2CCA, Associated Press, and Don Hansen Football Committee).
  • He was named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Team and earned All-MIAA First Team selection as an all-purpose back in 2024.
  • Watts finished the 2024 season with 1,303 rushing yards, 449 receiving yards, and 1,752 all-purpose yards.
  • He scored 17 touchdowns in the 2024 season and was ranked fourth nationally in all-purpose yards per game (160.8), fourth in total rushing yards, sixth in rushing yards per game (118.5), seventh in scoring (9.3 points per game), and eighth in total touchdowns.

Statistics:

  • Watts had 1,303 rushing yards and 449 receiving yards in the 2024 season.
  • He scored 17 touchdowns in the 2024 season, including 13 rushing and four receiving.
  • Watts was ranked fourth nationally in all-purpose yards per game (160.8) and fourth in total rushing yards in 2024.
  • He was also sixth in rushing yards per game (118.5) and seventh in scoring (9.3 points per game) in 2024.

Sources:

  • Fort Hays State University Athletics
  • New England Patriots
  • Hamilton Tiger Cats
  • D2CCA (Division 2 College Football Coaches Association)
  • Associated Press (AP)
  • Don Hansen Football Committee
  • D2Football.com